Estonia and Azerbaijan Clash in Nations League Group Stage

The upcoming Nations League fixture between Estonia and Azerbaijan at the A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn is gaining attention, as both teams are currently at the bottom of their group and are yet to secure a point in the competition. This match, scheduled for October 11, 2024, could play a crucial role in determining the fate of these teams in the league.

Estonia, after a successful run in the 2022-23 Nations League where they topped their group in League D, has struggled this season. They began their campaign with a home defeat against Slovakia and followed it with a 3-0 loss to Sweden, leaving them goalless and bottom of their group. The team, managed by Jurgen Henn, is grappling with key player absences including first-choice striker Rauno Sappinen, who is ill, and midfielder Kevor Palumets, who is suspended.

Azerbaijan, under the management of Fernando Santos, is also seeking its first victory in this season’s competition. Despite a past draw against Estonia and a victory in their previous encounter in Tallinn, Azerbaijan has suffered defeats against Sweden and Slovakia, putting them on the same precarious footing as their hosts. Santos, known for his past successes with Portugal, is looking to reinvigorate his squad to avoid relegation.

The clash on Friday is pivotal for both sides, with Estonia attempting to break a 16-game winless streak in major competitions, while Azerbaijan aims to replicate its previous successful outings against Estonia. The outcome of this encounter will significantly impact the rest of their Nations League campaigns, with both teams fighting to avoid falling into Europe’s fourth tier.

According to Sports Mole, Estonia’s potential lineup includes key players such as goalkeeper Karl Hein and defenders Maksim Paskotsi, Joonas Tamm, and Karol Mets. In contrast, Azerbaijan will likely rely on their current top scorer Emin Mahmudov and midfielder Renat Dadashov to lead the attack.